So I'm interested in maybe picking up a 70-200 in the future. Based on the reviews here and elsewhere, it looks like the older version(s) are better lenses. I know there are at least two different versions of this lens. Are there more? I wanna be sure I don't inadvertently pick up a version I'm not interested in. I'm interested in the 70-200 EX APO IF HSM (the one that has a 9.1 in the reviews section here). Are there different makes of this lens with the older look, or are all sigma 70-200's that have the older look going to be this lens?
Hi Collin.
I believe there are three versions of this lens. As a EOS owner i purchased the first virsion of this lens on B/S. It was quite nice optically, then developed a focus/sharpness problem. I sent it to Sigma, USA, in New York. They were able to repair it, $160. When changing to Nikon, i sold it on B/S and furnished the repair reciepts. I believe the macro version has had two versions, for some reason. I had purchased an macro 11 version two from B/H photo, new, prior to purchasing the older original bversion. I returned the new lens due to AF problems, for a re fund. This of course was just my experience. Prior to that experience, i had a Sigma 70-210 F2.8 in EOS mount, big heavy fellow, 82MM filter. I was one of the last kids on the block-to have it digital modified, it was sent back to the factory in Japan, no charge, and returned to me , working great on by EOS digital SLR body. Good luck, i might look at the older first version of the 70-200 lens, especially if you can get a trial period.
I have had 2 copies of the 70-200 HSM Macro version...the one right before the current (newer version). One was a Nikon mount and one was a Canon mount. Both were sharp, quiet and fast.
Kingfish, I believe there is an EX APO version before the three you talk about. There's a newer APO and the Macro I & II versions, but there's also an older Sigma EX APO AF version that preceded the one that came out in '05 or something. It's this lens that I'm looking at buying... I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this lens. I read on another board about it needing to be rechipped (which Sigma no longer does for this lens...) to work on newer canon DSLR's and that has me hesitating to act on what's a great deal (assuming this is not true).
